RAF Air Cadet saves a life in Doncaster

A young RAF Air Cadet saved a man’s life on the way home from his barracks.

Thomas Heath was travelling from the Scarborough Barracks, Sandford Road, Balby when he noticed a man laying unconscious on the floor.

There was already a group of people gathered around him, but when the 17-year-old approached it soon became clear he was the only one who was first aid trained.

Thomas, a Cadet flight Sergeant, quickly remembered the first aid qualifications he had received with the air cadets, which included the British Heart Foundation Heartstart award, St Johns Ambulance Youth First Air course and Activity First Aid.

He cleared some space around the man, who was not breathing, and discovered his tongue was obstructing his airway.

Using his first aid skills, Thomas was able to quickly unblock the man’s airway, who then started to breathe again.

Paramedics arrived soon after and took over treatment. The man was taken to hospital, where he is now recovering.

Thomas, from Scawthorpe, said: “I encourage anyone to take any opportunity they have to learn some basic first aid. You never know when it will come in use.”

Flight Lieutenant Matt Bulmer, the Officer Commanding Doncaster Air Cadets, said: “I’m very proud that Tom acted in a cool and calm manner when administering first aid in this clearly life or death situation.

After the incident Chief Superintendent Richard Tweed, Doncaster District Commander for South Yorkshire Police, also wrote to Thomas to praise him for his life-saving actions.